Streaming to Chromecast with Linux has been a real ordeal so far. Mkchromecast is an option but it has caused several issues for users. Luckily, there are several other options available –
Mkchromecast connection issues
Top tip – If your media stutters or there are dropouts, your network connection may not be fast enough. Ideally, the TV and computer are connected with a LAN cable. But modern routers and access points also offer sufficiently high speeds. If the signal on one or both devices is too weak, it could cause problems with streaming. In this case, try a repeater or powerline adapter.
Stream to Chromecast with VLC
Newer versions of VLC offer built-in Chromecast support. Here’s all you have to do to stream to Chromecast with VLC.
Just open your VLC and then click on: Playback > Renderer > < name of your Chromecast >
Remember that your Linux computer and the Chromecast must be on the same network. You really only have to change the renderer at this point and your media will start playing on the Chromecast. This is by far the most convenient way to play media on your TV.
VLC supports streaming on Chromecast not only for Linux but also on Windows, macOS, and Android.
Quick Guide – Cast to Chromecast with VLC on Linux
Learn how to stream media to your Chromecast via VLC on Linux!
- Install VLC
Whether VLC is pre-installed or not depends on the Linux distribution. However, the media player is available in the repositories of the major distributions and can be easily installed using the appropriate graphical package manager. You can find VLC for many Linux distributions as well as Windows, macOS, Android and Chrome OS in the download area of the project page.
- Open VLC
After the installation you simply open the media player. Under Linux Mint, the program installs itself under Multimedia.
- Switch renderer to Chromecast
Once your VLC is open, you can find your Chromecast under Playback > Renderer. The prerequisite, however, is that both devices are in the same network or LAN.
- Optional: Play with VLC via command line (CLI) on Chromecast
You can also play media via command line.
vlc “/path/to/video.mp4” –sout “#chromecast” –sout-chromecast-ip= –demux-filter=demux_chromecast
Apps and software with built-in support
Of course, if you’re using a Linux program that already has built-in support for Chromecast, then you’ll have no issues. A popular example is Spotify.
After opening Spotify, click on the TV symbol in the bottom right hand corner and you’ll see a list of device devices to connect to.
Spotify has built-in Chromecast support
Play YouTube Videos on Chromecast through Linux
VLC used to be able to play YouTube videos as well. However, Google is becoming more and more restrictive here and that is why it no longer works so easily with VLC. A workaround would be to first download the content you want using youtube-dl and then you can then stream the media to the Chromecast via VLC.
You can stream YouTube itself directly, provided your browser supports streaming to Chromecast. After opening a video on the website, the bottom right corner will display a symbol that allows you to stream on CHromecast..
Stream YouTube directly to Chromecast via browser on Linux
VPN on Linux, Chromecast won’t play media
If you want to bypass geo-restrictions and stream content that is restricted in your country, then you’ll need a VPN that’s supported by Linux. Using a VPN, you can hide your real IP address and spoof your location. This allows you to access content that would otherwise be unavailable. You can also try connecting a VPN to your home router as this will protect all devices under your home network, including Chromecast. We highly recommended NordVPN* to bypass geo-restrictions on Chromecast!
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